The Innisfree Poetry Journal
www.innisfreepoetry.org

by Sonja James



Argument

for Michael Glaser
Say the tiny argument
wrapped in tissue
& presented to the world
is an argument for peace.
Once unwrapped by
the gentle pacifist of a boy
who leads the crowd
to the public square,
it will grow heavy
in the hand until it is passed
along from one curious
onlooker to the next.
Moving from hand to hand
as in the game of "hot potato,"
it will then be light like a sponge
& just as powerful:
cleansing trigger happy fingers,
drying sweaty palms.   


Reckless

for my sons
Caution,
that inhospitable stance,
thrown to the wind.

Rushing now.
Not taking
time to think.

To leap
without looking.
Yes, careless.

Sometimes
it works—
accomplishes the feat

of spiting
maternal exhortations
to be "careful."

Call such blatant disregard
"youth." Then, call it
"the days fly by."

Summon it.
Study it.
Let it break your heart. 




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